VC and GISD begin partnership on Gonzales High School campus

Story by Katy Long • Submitted by Darink
The Victoria College is pleased to announce that work has begun toward opening a College Assistance Resource and Services (CARS) Center on the campus of Gonzales High School beginning with the 2010 school year. The creation of CARS Centers is one of several important components of a joint initiative among The Victoria College and area school districts funded by a Title V federal grant awarded to VC earlier this year. The Gonzales Independent School District is one of three area school districts partnering with VC to help increase college readiness and participation in higher education for local students. Title V federal grant programs are aimed at helping Hispanic-Serving Institutions like VC enhance and expand their capacity to serve students by providing funds to develop programs that will keep the educational pipeline open and easily navigable for students in their service areas. “This is a great thing for both GISD and VC,” said Vic Salazar, superintendent of GISD. “We’re looking forward to working with VC to get students to go to college. It is definitely a win-win situation for our community and our students.” Some of the benefits offered through the CARS Centers include college entrance testing, career exploration and other assessments that will help establish and enhance a student’s academic skills. Non-academic skills such as time management and effective note-taking along with study and test taking skills will also be addressed. CARS Centers will also make information on colleges, universities, vocational/trade schools and military opportunities easily accessible to students. A VC pre-college advisor will be available in the CARS Center to assist students throughout the school year. Additionally, students will have access to computers so that they may explore additional information on colleges/universities, careers, scholarships and financial aid. Parents are also encouraged to visit the CARS Center on campus. “I’m excited for the students,” said Title V director Kim Smith. “I think this program has great potential to increase college enrollment and success rates for Gonzales students and students throughout the entire Golden Crescent region. I’m so pleased to be involved in providing this type of service to students and the entire VC community.”